U.S. patent number 8,316,708 [Application Number 12/430,477] was granted by the patent office on 2012-11-27 for illuminated sight glass.
This patent grant is currently assigned to JIKOH Manufacturing, Inc.. Invention is credited to George Horst.
United States Patent |
8,316,708 |
Horst |
November 27, 2012 |
Illuminated sight glass
Abstract
A sight assembly may include a body portion configured to couple
between a first fluid transport segment and a second fluid
transport segment. The body portion may define an aperture
configured for fluid flow through an interior of the body portion.
The sight assembly may also include a light source disposed within
the body portion. The light source may be configured to provide
illumination of the interior of the sight assembly. The light
source may be disposed within the body portion approximately
between an outer edge of the body portion forming the aperture and
an external surface of the body portion.
Inventors: |
Horst; George (Omaha, NE) |
Assignee: |
JIKOH Manufacturing, Inc.
(Omaha, NE)
|
Family
ID: |
42990898 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/430,477 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2009 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20100269584 A1 |
Oct 28, 2010 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
73/323; 116/276;
73/865.8; 73/293 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01F
23/02 (20130101); G01P 13/008 (20130101); G01F
23/205 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01F
23/02 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Williams; Hezron E
Assistant Examiner: Shabman; Mark A
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Suiter Swantz pc llo
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sight assembly, comprising: a body portion configured to
couple between a first fluid transport segment and a second fluid
transport segment, the body portion defining an aperture configured
for fluid flow through an interior of the body portion; and a light
source sealed within the body portion, the light source configured
to provide illumination of the interior of the sight assembly,
wherein the light source is disposed within the body portion
approximately between an outer edge of the body portion forming the
aperture and an external surface of the body portion, and wherein
the light source is pointed substantially toward a center of the
aperture.
2. The sight assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source is at
least one of a light-emitting diode (LED) or a light source meeting
a regulatory standard.
3. The sight assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a second
light source connected to the body portion.
4. The sight assembly of claim 3, wherein the second light source
is configured to emit light of a color substantially different than
a color the first light source is configured to emit.
5. The sight assembly of claim 1, further comprising: means for
detecting fluid flow through the interior of the body portion.
6. The sight assembly of claim 1, wherein the body portion further
defines a plurality of mounting apertures, each of the plurality of
mounting apertures configured to receive a mounting fastener.
7. A fluid transport system, comprising: a first container; a
second container; and a coupler coupled between the first container
and the second container, the coupler including: a body portion,
the body portion defining an aperture configured for fluid flow
through an interior of the body portion; a light source sealed
within the body portion, the light source configured to provide
illumination of the interior of the sight assembly, wherein the
light source is disposed within the body portion approximately
between an outer edge of the body portion forming the aperture and
an external surface of the body portion, and wherein the light
source is pointed substantially toward a center of the aperture,
wherein the fluid transport system is configured to permit fluid
flow from the first container through the coupler to the second
container.
8. The fluid transport system of claim 7, wherein the light source
is at least one of a light-emitting diode (LED) or a light source
meeting a regulatory standard.
9. The fluid transport system of claim 7, further comprising: a
second light source connected to the body portion.
10. The fluid transport system of claim 9, further comprising:
means for measuring at least one of a volume or a weight of fluid
in at least one of the first container, the second container, or
the coupler.
11. The fluid transport system of claim 10, wherein the second
light source is configured to emit light when the means for
measuring at least one of a volume or a weight of fluid measures at
least one of a volume or a weight below a threshold value.
12. The fluid transport system of claim 7, wherein the body portion
further defines a plurality of mounting apertures, each of the
plurality of mounting apertures configured to receive a mounting
fastener.
13. The fluid transport system of claim 12, wherein the plurality
of mounting apertures are positioned in a substantially circular
configuration.
14. The fluid transport system of claim 7, further comprising: a
power source, the power source configured to provide power to the
light source.
15. The fluid transport system of claim 14, wherein the power
source is positioned in a location remote from the coupler.
16. An illuminated sight glass, comprising: a body portion, the
body portion defining an aperture configured for fluid flow through
an interior of the body portion; a light source sealed within the
body portion, the light source configured to provide illumination
of the interior of the illuminated sight glass, wherein the body
portion further defines a plurality of mounting apertures, the
plurality of mounting apertures at least partially surrounding an
outer edge of the body portion defining the aperture configured for
fluid flow through the interior of the body portion, wherein the
light source is disposed within the body portion approximately
between the outer edge of the body portion forming the aperture and
an external surface of the body portion, and wherein the light
source is pointed toward the interior of the body portion.
17. The illuminated sight glass of claim 16, further comprising: a
second light source connected to the body portion.
18. The illuminated sight glass of claim 16, wherein the body
portion is comprised of at least one of an acrylic material or a
cross-linked acrylic material.
19. The illuminated sight glass of claim 16, wherein the body
portion and the aperture are each substantially circular.
20. The illuminated sight glass of claim 16, wherein the light
source is sealed within the body portion via an epoxy seal.
Description
FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of sight
glasses, and more particularly to an illuminated sight glass for
carrying fluids there-through.
BACKGROUND
In fluid flow systems, it may be desirable to visually inspect
fluid flowing through the system. For instance, visual inspection
may be important when dispensing a fluid from a portable storage
tank to an underground storage tank, or to an otherwise opaque
depository.
SUMMARY
A sight assembly may include a body portion configured to couple
between a first fluid transport segment and a second fluid
transport segment. The body portion may define an aperture
configured for fluid flow through an interior of the body portion.
The sight assembly may also include a light source disposed within
the body portion. The light source may be configured to provide
illumination of the interior of the sight assembly. The light
source may be disposed within the body portion approximately
between an outer edge of the body portion forming the aperture and
an external surface of the body portion.
A fluid transport system may include a first container, a second
container, and a coupler coupled between the first container and
the second container. The coupler may include: a body portion and a
light source disposed within the body portion. The body portion may
define an aperture configured for fluid flow through an interior of
the body portion. The light source may be configured to provide
illumination of the interior of the sight assembly. The light
source may be disposed within the body portion approximately
between an outer edge of the body portion forming the aperture and
an external surface of the body portion. The fluid transport system
may be configured to permit fluid flow from the first container
through the coupler to the second container.
An illuminated sight glass may include a body portion. The body
portion may define an aperture configured for fluid flow through an
interior of the body portion. The illuminated sight glass may also
include a light source connected to the body portion. The light
source may be configured to provide illumination of the interior of
the illuminated sight glass. The body portion may further define a
plurality of mounting apertures. The plurality of mounting
apertures may at least partially surround an outer edge of the body
portion defining the aperture configured for fluid flow through the
interior of the body portion.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description are exemplary and
explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the
disclosure as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are
incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification,
illustrate an embodiment of the disclosure and together with the
general description, serve to explain the principles of the
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be better
understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the
accompanying figures in which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an illuminated sight glass according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the illuminated sight glass of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the illuminated sight glass of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an illuminated sight glass according
to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fuel tanker during an unloading
process;
FIG. 6 is a partial isometric view of an illuminated sight glass
coupled to a fluid transport system;
FIG. 7 is another partial isometric view of an illuminated sight
glass coupled to a fluid transport system;
FIG. 8A is a partial cross-sectional side view of an illuminated
sight glass coupled to a fluid transport system with a butterfly
valve in a closed position; and
FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional side view of an illuminated
sight glass coupled to a fluid transport system with a butterfly
valve in an open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred
embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Referring to FIG. 1, an isometric view of an illuminated sight
glass 100 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The illuminated sight glass 100 may comprise a body
portion 102 for coupling between a first fluid transport segment
and a second fluid transport segment. For instance, the first fluid
transport segment may be a flange of a fluid transport pipe, such
as on a fuel tanker, and the second fluid transport segment may be
a valve, such as a butterfly valve on a fuel tanker. The body
portion 102 may define an aperture 104 configured for fluid flow
through an interior 106 of the body portion 102. Thus, when the
illuminated sight glass 100 is coupled between a first fluid
transport segment and a second fluid transport segment, the
illuminated sight glass 100 may provide a continued interior
through which fluid may pass, such as from the first fluid
transport segment through the illuminated sight glass 100 to the
second fluid transport segment. In one embodiment, the aperture 104
is substantially circular, which may enable a continuous flow of
fluid when the first fluid transport segment and the second fluid
transport section each have a substantially circular interior, such
as with piping.
The body portion 102 may be formed of a substantially transparent
or translucent material, such that the interior 106 of the
illuminated sight glass 100 may be substantially viewable when
viewed from an external viewpoint. For example, the body portion
102 may be formed of an acrylic-based material. It will be
appreciated that the material forming the body portion 102 may be
selected based upon an operating environment of the illuminated
sight glass 100. For instance, where the fluid flowing through the
illuminated sight glass 100 includes at least a portion of ethanol,
the body portion 102 may be formed of an ethanol-approved clear
substrate. The body portion may include a marker 122 which may
provide an indication in which operating environments the
illuminated sight glass 100 may perform. For instance, an `E`
marker 122 may indicate that the illuminated sight glass 100 may be
suitable for use with ethanol-containing fluids. In one embodiment,
the body portion 102 is formed from an ethanol-approved clear
substrate and treated by an annealing process. The body portion 102
may then be polished, such as via exposure to an abrasive polishing
substance and/or exposure to a relatively high temperature
environment (e.g., exposure to flame). A polishing treatment may
enhance the transparent or translucent attributes of the body
portion 102.
The illuminated sight glass 100 may also comprise a light source
108. For instance, the light source 108 may be connected to the
body portion 102 and be configured to provide illumination of the
interior 106 of the illuminated sight glass 100. In one embodiment,
the light source 108 may be a light-emitting diode (LED) or another
light source which meets regulatory standards for use in
hydrocarbon fuel transportation, such as standards set by the
American Petroleum Institute (API). For example, the light source
108 may be a Super LED manufactured as a 12-volt light. In a
particular embodiment, the light source 108 is disposed within the
body portion 102, such as between an outer edge 110 of the body
portion 102 forming the aperture 104 and an external surface 112 of
the body portion 102. Such a configuration may also be seen with
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. A light source 108 disposed within the
body portion 102, as opposed to external the body portion 102 or
internal 106 (such as within aperture 104), may permit a safer
light source, such as by dissipating heat or by limiting exposure
to fluids (such as oxygen or fuel). Such an assembly may be
configured for use in petrochemical transportation and
unloading.
Additionally, the light source 108 may be introduced to the body
portion 102 as an enclosed assembly (e.g., a sealed unit 109). For
example, the light source 108 may be enclosed within an assembly
such that the exposure of the light source 108 to the local
environment is at least partially limited. As shown in FIGS. 2 and
3, the sealed unit 109 of the light source 108 is introduced to an
aperture 105 formed by the body portion 102. The sealed unit 109
may be coupled to the body portion 102 by a sealant, adhesive,
epoxy, or the like, such as to enable a secure coupling. For
instance, the sealed unit 109 may be coupled to the body portion
102 via an epoxy to form an air-tight seal.
The combination of the light source 108 with the body portion 102
formed of a substantially transparent or translucent material
provides the illuminated sight glass a variety of advantages. For
instance, such advantages may include, but are not limited to,
enabling usage in various lighting environments, from daytime use,
to nighttime use, providing a visual inspection of rate of fluid
flow, providing a visual inspection of fluid characteristics (e.g.,
color, viscosity, turbidity, and the like), and the providing a
visual inspection of the presence of vapor return.
The light source 108 may include conductive connectors 114 for
connecting the light source 108 to a power source (not shown). For
instance, the power source may be a direct current power source,
such as a battery, or may be another suitable power source which is
sufficient for supplying power to the light source 108, as is known
in the art. The conductive connectors 114 may be of a variable
length, such as depending on a desirable distance from a power
source. For instance, it may be desirable to place the power source
sufficiently far from the light source 108, such as in an area
where the accumulation of flammable vapors is of lesser concern,
such as near an engine of a vehicle transporting a fuel tank. The
conductive connectors 114 may be covered in a material to reduce
flammability concerns. For example, the conductive connectors 114
may be covered with a heat-shrinkable tubing, and may shield the
conductive connectors 114 via a plurality of layers of
material.
The body portion 102 may further define one or more mounting
apertures 116. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, eight mounting
apertures 116 are displayed. The mounting aperture 116 is
configured to receive a mounting fastener. For instance, a fastener
may be inserted into the mounting aperture 116 when coupling the
illuminated sight glass 100 between a first fluid transport segment
and a second fluid transport segment. In a particular embodiment,
the positioning of the mounting apertures 116 may be configured to
substantially match a pattern typically used on flanges for
securing a pair of pipe segments, such as for meeting regulatory
standards. The mounting apertures 116 are displayed with inserted
fasteners in FIGS. 6-8B, where the illuminated sight glass 100 is
coupled between a first fluid transport segment 304 and a second
fluid transport segment 306, which may include butterfly valve
302.
The illuminated sight glass 110 may further include a second light
source 118, as shown in FIG. 4. The second light source 118 may be
coupled with the body portion 102 is a manner substantially similar
to that of the first light source 108. The second light source 118
may also be configured to provide illumination of the interior 106
of the illuminated sight glass 100. For instance, the second light
source 118 may be disposed within the body portion 102, such as
between an outer edge 110 of the body portion 102 forming the
aperture 104 and an external surface 112 of the body portion 102.
The second light source 118 may also include conductive connectors
120 for connecting the second light source 118 to a power source
(not shown). The second light source 118 may also be a
light-emitting diode (LED) or another light source which meets
regulatory standards for use in hydrocarbon fuel transportation,
such as standards set by the American Petroleum Institute
(API).
It is contemplated that the second light source 118 may emit light
of a different color than the color emitted by the first light
source 108. For instance, the second light source 118 may operate
within different or more specific spectrums of visible light as
compared to the first light source 108. In one embodiment, the
first light source 108 emits a substantially white light, whereas
the second light source 118 emits a substantially red light.
However, it is contemplated that a variety of colors, whether
similar or different, may be utilized by the first light source 108
and the second light source 118 without departing from the scope of
the present disclosure.
Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, an illuminated sight glass 100 is shown
coupled as part of a fuel transport system 200. The fuel transport
system may include a portable storage tank 204 of a fuel tanker
202, a hose coupling 206, and an underground storage tank
accessible by a port 208. The fuel tanker 202 may include the
illuminated sight glass 100, which may be utilized during an
unloading process. The fuel tanker 202 may be configured to deliver
fluids from the portable storage tank 204 through the hose coupling
206 to the underground storage tank via port 208. The illuminated
sight glass 100 may be coupled between a first fluid transport
segment 210 and a second fluid transport segment 212, as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7. In one embodiment, the first fluid transport segment
210 is a pipe segment of the fuel transport system 200. For
example, the pipe segment may extend from and provide access to a
cell of the portable storage tank 204. The second fluid transport
segment 212 may also include a pipe segment, and may further
include a valve 214 and a cap 216, each configured to selectably
mitigate or prevent fluid from flowing from the first fluid
transport segment 210 to the second fluid transport segment 212.
For example, the valve 214 and cap 216 may block fluid flow during
transport of the fuel tanker 202 to the location of the underground
storage tank. Once the fuel truck arrives, the cap 216 may be
removed, and hose coupling 206 may be coupled to the second fluid
transport segment 212. When the hose coupling 206 is coupled to the
second fluid transport segment 212 and to the port 208, the valve
214 may be engaged, allowing fluid to flow from the portable
storage tank 204 to the underground storage tank via port 208.
The fuel transport system 200 may also include an interlocking bar
218, configured to prevent access to the cap 216 while the
interlocking bar 218 is in an engaged position, such as that shown
in FIG. 6. The interlocking bar 218 may be disengaged to provide
access to the cap 216, and thereafter the cap 216 may be removed to
allow the passage of fluid from the portable storage tank 204 to
the underground storage tank. Thus, the interlocking bar 218 may
provide an additional safety mechanism for the transport and
passage of fluids.
The fuel transport system 200 may additionally include an unloading
light 220 and a conduit 222 for containing conductive connectors
114 and/or 120 from the light source 108 and/or second light source
118 to the power source. The unloading light 220 may provide
illumination to an area of the fuel transport system 200, which may
provide an operator with light, enabling the operator to view the
interlocking bar 218, the cap 216, and the like. The conduit 222
may be coupled to the first fluid transport segment 210, which may
enable the conductive connectors 114 and/or 120 to connect the
light source 108 and/or the second light source 118 to a remote
power source, such as one closer to a cab of the fuel tanker
202.
Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a partial cross-sectional side
view of the illuminated sight glass 100 coupled to a fluid
transport system 300 with a butterfly valve 302 is displayed. As
shown, the illuminated sight glass 100 is coupled between a first
fluid transport segment 304 and a second fluid transport segment
304. The second fluid transport segment 306 includes the butterfly
valve 302 in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 8A, whereas the
butterfly valve 302 is in an open position in FIG. 8B. The
butterfly valve 300 comprises a disc 308 which is rotatably coupled
within the second fluid transport segment 306, and has dimensions
which substantially match an interior dimension of the second fluid
transport segment 306. For instance, in the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 8A and 8B, the disc 308 has a circumference which
substantially matches an internal circumference of the portion of
the second transport segment 306 where the valve resides. The disc
308 may be rotated between a closed position (e.g., substantially
perpendicular to the second fluid transport segment 306) and an
open position (e.g., substantially parallel to the second fluid
transport segment). When the butterfly valve 302 is in a closed
position, the disc 308 substantially blocks the flow of fluid
within the fluid transport system 300. When the butterfly valve 302
is in an open position, the disc 308 permits the flow of fluid
within the fluid transport system 300.
The illuminated sight glass 100 may include a groove 124 for
receiving the disc 308 of the butterfly valve 302 as the disc 308
is rotated between an open position and a closed position. The
groove 124 may take the form of a rabbet or other feature, such
that the internal space of the illuminated sight glass 100 is of a
sufficient size to accept the disc 308 of the butterfly valve. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, where the interior 106 is circular,
the groove 124 features an increasing diameter for accepting the
disc 308 of the butterfly valve.
The first light source 108 may be configured to provide visual cues
regarding fluid transport through the illuminated sight glass 100
and accordingly, through the fluid transport system 300. For
instance, the first light source 108 may be configured to refrain
from operating (e.g., refrain from emitting light) when fluid does
not flow from the first fluid transport segment 304 to the second
fluid transport segment 306. In one embodiment, when butterfly
valve 302 is in a closed position, and fluid is prevented from
flowing (as shown in FIG. 8A), the first light source 108 does not
emit light. However, the first light source 108 may be configured
to operate (e.g., to emit light) when fluid is flowing from the
first fluid transport segment 304 to the second fluid transport
segment 306. For example, when the butterfly valve is in an open
position (as shown in FIG. 8B), fluid is permitted to flow within
fluid transport system 300 (e.g., from the first fluid transport
segment 304 to the second fluid transport segment 308), and the
first light source 108 emits light.
Determining whether fluid is flowing from the first fluid transport
segment 304 to the second fluid transport segment 308 may be
accomplished according to any suitable means known in the art. For
example, the illuminated sight glass 100 may include a fluid
detector. The fluid detector may include a detector for detecting
fluid flow through the interior 106 of the body portion 102. In one
embodiment, the fluid detector includes a piezo-electric cell for
measuring fluid flow. In another embodiment, the fluid detector may
include a sensor, a flow meter, an optical device, or another
device suitable for detecting the flow of fluid within a closed
environment.
Additionally, the position of the disc 308 of the butterfly valve
302 may be measured as a proxy for fluid flow through the fluid
transport system 300. For instance, when the disc is substantially
perpendicular to the second fluid transport segment 306, then fluid
should not be flowing, and thus the first light source 108 may
remain off. When the disc is in a position that is not
substantially perpendicular to the second fluid transport segment
306, then fluid may flow, and the first light source 108 may
operate. However, it is contemplated that a backup sensor may be
used in conjunction with using the disc 308 position as a proxy for
fluid flow. For example, if the butterfly valve 302 malfunctions
and fluid is permitted to pass by the valve, then a backup sensor
may cause the first light source 108 to operate.
In an embodiment, the second light source 118 is configured to
provide visual cues regarding a status of a fluid source. For
example, the second light source 118 may be configured to operate
(e.g., to emit light) when fluid in the fluid transport system 300
is below a threshold volume/weight. The fluid source may be a
storage tank, such as one or more cells of a fuel tank of a fuel
transport vehicle. In one embodiment the second light source 118
operates when fluid in a cell of a fuel tank is substantially
empty. The fluid transport system may include a volumetric and/or
weight measurement device for measuring at least one of a volume or
a weight of fluid. For instance, the volumetric and/or weight
measurement device may be used to determine whether fluid in the
fluid transport system 300 is below a threshold volume/weight. The
volumetric and/or weight measurement device may be any measurement
device known in the art such as, but not limited to, a
piezo-electric device, a sensor, a flow meter, an optical device, a
scale for obtaining a weight difference, or another device suitable
for measuring at least one of a volume or a weight of fluids. Such
measurements may be evaluated to determine whether fluid in the
fluid transport system 300 is below a threshold volume/weight. For
instance, the fluid transport system 300 may include a processor
for performing calculations to determine whether a measured volume
or weight of fluid is at, above, or below a threshold value.
It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its
attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing
description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be
made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components
thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the
disclosure or without sacrificing all of its material advantages.
The form herein before described being merely an explanatory
embodiment thereof, it is the intention of the following claims to
encompass and include such changes.
* * * * *